Implementation of Regional Strategy for Development of Organic Farming already underway, says João Ponte
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry stated today in Ponta Delgada that the implementation of the Strategy for the Development of Organic Farming of the Azores (ERDABA) is already underway, following the creation of the operational group in charge of its coordination.
“This working meeting brought together, for the first time, this network-based operational group that will be responsible for coordinating the 16 planned measures to be developed over the next two years. They are aimed at growing the production areas in organic mode and reinforcing organic farming,” said João Ponte at the end of the meeting.
The government official stated that the envisioned measures concern the creation of an Organic Farming Portal to disseminate all the technical information about this sector, marketing campaigns focused on organic products and organic production, awareness-raising campaigns in schools and training courses for farmers. Moreover, these measures also address the drafting of datasheets and the provision of technical support to producers as well as a market study, which will define the priority sectors to be developed in organic production mode, among other initiatives.
The operational group consists of four members, namely a member of the Office of the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry, the Regional Director for Agriculture and representatives of producers' organisations and of the University of the Azores.
The Strategic Plan for Organic Farming, with a time horizon of one decade, intends to expand the areas of production and the supply of agricultural and agri-food products, with environmental and health benefits but also with higher value of production.